An Ayrshire care worker has been struck off for embezzling money from the person she was supposed to be looking after.
Natalie Rae embezzled a total of £790.50 while employed as a care assistant between September 27, 2025 and October 13, 2025, both dates inclusive. Her victim is only known as ‘AA’ to protect their identity.
Conviction and SSSC decision
Rae’s town of employment was Prestwick, according to a decision notice from industry regulator the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). It was also revealed that Rae was convicted of the offence at Ayr Sheriff Court in February this year.
The SSSC struck Rae’s name from their register, claiming her fitness to practise was “impaired” and she had “abused the trust” placed in her by her supported person.
Financial abuse and trust violation
The SSSC decision notice said to Rae: “The behaviour constitutes financial abuse, and you (Rae) placed ‘AA’ at risk of emotional and financial harm. Your actions fell far below what is expected of a social care worker and are fundamentally incompatible with registration.”
The decision notice continues: “Embezzlement is a crime of dishonesty and such dishonesty undermines trust in social services. The behaviour is highly serious as it constitutes theft of a large sum of money from a supported person who would have placed their trust in you.
“Dishonest behaviour of this nature indicates underlying values issues which may not be capable of being remedied and this behaviour falls at the more serious end of the scale of seriousness.”
Factors and sanction
In making their determination the SSSC said there were several factors of concern; namely Rae did not demonstrate “any insight, regret or apology” for the behaviour, the behaviour occurred during the course of her employment and was “premeditated,” it happened on “several occasions” indicating “a pattern of behaviour” and she had “abused the trust placed in her.”
The SSSC added: “The SSSC considers a Removal Order is the most appropriate sanction as it is both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession and the SSSC as the regulator of the profession.”
